HOWARD UNIVERSITY POLICY AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT
AND GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION
IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

POLICY STATEMENT

Howard University (the “University”) reaffirms its commitment to provide opportunities in education and employment free from illegal discrimination based upon gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. In furtherance of this commitment, the University strives to maintain an environment in which all members of the University Community1 are: (a) judged and rewarded solely on the basis of relevant factors such as ability, experience, effort, and performance; and (b) provided conditions for employment and educational pursuits that are free from gender-based coercion, intimidation, or exploitation.

It is the policy of the University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of gender in violation of any applicable law including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e), and the District of Columbia Human Rights Act (D.C. Code § 1-25 12).

It is also the policy of the University not to discriminate on the basis of gender in the education programs and activities that it operates. Such discrimination is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (-Title IXW), and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 106). This prohibition against gender-based discrimination also extends to employment in education programs and activities and to admission to such programs and activities.

In addition to violating Federal and local law, sexual harassment can result in both physical and
psychological harm to victims, while corrupting the positive work and academic environment the
University strives to maintain. Therefore, sexual harassment on the part of any member of the
Howard University Community shall not be tolerated under any circumstance or condition.

Engaging in sexual harassment, or failing to carry out the responsibilities established by this Policy, will give rise to disciplinary action, up to and including separation from the University.

While it is the responsibility of the University to disseminate this Policy, it is the responsibility of each member of the University Community to read the Policy and to become familiar with its provisions. Moreover, failure to follow the procedures set forth in this Policy may inhibit or prevent the University from properly investigating an instance of alleged sexual harassment, or from taking appropriate remedial action. Therefore, if an alleged victim fails to follow such procedure he or she may be left without a remedy under this Policy.

The University considers all allegations of sexual harassment to be extremely serious matters. Every complaint of sexual harassment submitted to the University in accordance with this Policy will be reviewed and investigated. The submission of false, spurious, or frivolous claims, however, will result in the immediate consideration of disciplinary action, up to and including termination or, in the case of a student, suspension or expulsion. In addition, in any legal action precipitated by a violation of this Policy in which the University and a member of the University Community are named as “co-defendants,” the University may refuse to defend and/or indemnify any co-defendant who is responsible for that violation.2

THIS POLICY IS APPLICABLE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN EMPLOYMENT
AND TO BOTH SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND OTHER GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES. GENDER-
BASED DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT IS COVERED BY THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PROCEDURE ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.

This Policy applies to all members of the University Community. The actions proscribed by this Policy are also applicable to all individuals who are on University premises or on any other property where the University conducts its business. If such an individual commits an act in violation of this Policy, the University will take appropriate remedial measures under the circumstances to sanction the offender, to mitigate against the potential for recurrence, and to discipline any member of the University Community who may have participated in such conduct, or may have failed to stop such conduct when he or she had the authority to do so.

The University’s Office of Human Resource Management is primarily responsible for implementing this Policy with respect to employment matters and for ensuring that all employees are adequately trained or otherwise made aware of their responsibilities under this Policy.

The Title IX Coordinator is primarily responsible for implementing this Policy with respect to students.

The Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, shall ensure that appropriate notice of this Policy and its content are distributed to all University vendors and those seeking to do business with the University.